How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? A Complete Guide
Contents
Given the high success rate of dental implants, no wonder this tooth replacement treatment is as much desired as it is believed to be costly. A dental implant not only fills the gap between your existing teeth but restores your bite and renews your chewing functionality. Considering this is a one-time investment in long-term oral health, the procedure of “growing” your new tooth requires a certain money.
In this article, we’ll examine the cost of implant dentistry, factors that impact implant dentistry price, extra treatments you might have to pay for, and various financing options so that you can decide whether getting an artificially rooted tooth is worth it.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of an implanted tooth varies, depending on several factors.
- Type of Implant Procedure
The type of missing tooth replacement directly affects its price. Single dental implant installation is less expensive than all-on-6 dental implants, which is natural: the situation when you have lost one pearly white can’t be compared to that if a patient has lost all their teeth.
In the first case, you’ll need one artificially created root-shaped post implanted in the jaw. The second case is more complex but still manageable: it involves the installation of six dental implants in a jawbone to restore the lost teeth.
- Additional Treatments
Some patients’ cases are more complex than others and require extra dental treatments that can add to the replacement of teeth cost.
Optional dental expenditures
| Bone grafting | This procedure is needed if you lack bone density in the jaw on the implant site. A metal titanium screw needs efficient support for a long-term stay. Bone grafting typically costs from $600. |
| Sinus lift | This surgery increases bone volume in the upper jaw when it’s insufficient for a common screw-type implant. Sinus lift enhances the dental transplant cost by up to $3500. |
| Tooth extraction | Sometimes an oral surgeon has to remove a damaged tooth or roots before placing an implant, adding to the final implants costs more $300. |
Besides, the typical cost of a dental implant doesn’t include the collateral expenditures that are indispensable for performing the implant surgery.
Extra costs you can’t avoid
| Dental evaluation and X-rays | Eeven if your insurance doesn’t cover preliminary examinations, you don’t have to pay more for the replacement teeth cost. |
| Anesthesia | To numb the implant site, oral surgeons usually use local anesthesia with no additional cost. |
| A dental crown | This custom-fitted tooth cap covers a damaged or decayed tooth and restores its natural shape, size, functionality, and look. It will cost you from $1516. |
| An abutment | This tiny part links the implant and the crown. Its average price starts from $600. |
| Pre-surgery and post-surgery care | Care expenses contribute to the overall cost of an implanted tooth. |
3. Material Used
Oral surgeons mainly use two implant biomaterials:
- Titanium. More widespread and cost-friendly.
- Zirconia. More expensive than its titanium counterpart.
Let’s explore the main characteristics of these fake teeth materials.
| Dental implant type | Characteristics |
| Titanium alloy | The gold standard; Increased strength; Remarkable lightweight; Impressive lifespan; Enhanced resistance to corrosion and excessive wear; Biocompatibility with the body. |
| Zirconia | A newer option; Perfect for patients with an allergy to metal; Strong; Biocompatible. |
Average Cost of Dental Implants
The average price of an implant and its surgical placement varies, depending on the case complexity and the patient’s needs. For instance, a single dental implant price at VIP Dental Care Clinic starts from $1450, while full-mouth dental implants that restore an entire arch of teeth will cost you nearly $25000. Additional procedures also enhance the total cost.
Insurance and Financing Options
Dental insurance includes various coverage options, but insurers tend not to cover the entire implant treatment, arguing there are less expensive methods to replace the missing teeth. Sometimes insurance may cover specific stages of implant expenses. This doesn’t apply to cosmetic issues, only to restore oral health. Thus it’s vital to thoroughly examine your insurance plan to acknowledge your dental coverage before making a dental appointment.
Here are the three most common types of insurance plans:
- Medicare. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions. It may cover certain dental services, excluding implants. Medicare Advantage includes preventive dental coverage and other benefits.
- Medicaid. State Medicaid programs provide access to proper preventive dental care for kids, but adults aren’t granted such an advantage. Considering that the minimum age for getting dental implants is nearly 18 years old, the possibility of receiving coverage for dental implants with Medicaid is low.
- Private dental insurance. Some dental plans cover particular stages of implant placement such as getting a crown. Certain policies can even pay half of the costs of major procedures!
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
While the average dental implant cost might seem daunting, this one-time investment offers long-term benefits. Implants are remarkably durable and wear-resistant, saving you time and money on alternative dental treatments in the future.
Even if you lose a single pearly white, it can lead to serious consequences such as tooth malocclusion. Your other teeth can move to fill the space where the original tooth was. Leaving the situation to its fate can result in crooked, twisted, or overlapped teeth, so you’ll need to contact an orthodontist to mend the bite. Getting a dental implant on time can spare you from additional expenditures in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Knowing the pros and cons of dental implants can help you make a well-informed decision about whether this restorative dental treatment is right for you.
Pros of dental implants
The initial shock from implant cost per tooth can soften a bit after you consider its advantages:
- Improved functionality. Implants entirely restore chewing and speech functionality, contributing to your oral health.
- Impressive durability. With thorough oral hygiene, a dental implant can last you a lifetime.
- Jawbone preservation. Implants maintain sufficient bone volume and density.
- Enhanced aesthetics. Implants look and feel natural, restoring smile appearance and confidence in various social situations.
- Bite sustaining. They prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting to the empty place.
As you can see, dental implants are a long-term, dependable solution that comes hand-in-hand with aesthetic benefits, making them worth the cost.
Cons of dental implants
Let’s observe some implant disadvantages that might play a pivotal role in your decision-making process.
- Pricey. Dental implants cost more when compared to dentures or bridges. However, you only need to pay for your artificial tooth once and care for it well to enjoy it for decades. Besides, it doesn’t hinder chewing or speaking, like other types of restorative procedures.
- Invasive type of surgery. An oral surgeon needs to perform several simple procedures to insert an implant into a jawbone. A well-trained doctor will guide you through each stage, so you’ll be aware of the intricacies before sitting on the dental chair.
- Need multiple dental visits. While getting the treatment, you’ll need to visit a dental clinic subsequently for nearly six months. Seeing your doctor more frequently than some of your long-time friends might be frustrating. However, your efforts will be rewarded when you welcome your “newborn” tooth into your oral cavity.
- Not suitable for everyone. Sometimes you might have to reconsider your daily habits and go through a series of pre-op treatments to become eligible for an implant. Severe smoking, certain medical issues, or poor dental health might prevent your doctor from instantly performing surgery.
- Dental crown fracture. The protective cap covering an implant can become cracked or fractured, mainly due to physical trauma or biting hard substances. You can prevent this by avoiding hard foods, addressing bruxism, and wearing a mouthguard if you engage in contact sports. A dentist can fix or replace the damaged dental crown.
As with any surgery, dental implants pose certain risks and complications, but the pros commonly outweigh them.
Dental Implants: Reclaim Your Quality of Life!
Tooth loss can have a serious impact on your oral health and the general quality of life. Addressing a reputable clinic for a dental implant increases your chances for successful and durable results and reduces expenditures in the long run. Dental implants cover most functional and cosmetic needs, so no wonder this procedure is among the priciest in a dental office. Taking into account that this is a permanent dental solution for missing teeth, the question “How much is a dental implant?” doesn’t sound so horrific. Your new smile is definitely worth the price!
Costs of Tooth Implants: Most Common Questions
Why are dental implants expensive?
The high cost comprises high-quality biocompatible materials, the complexity of the dental surgery, and additional expenditures such as X-rays, anesthesia, and a dental crown. A patient requires no less than 4 months to get a new artificial tooth.
How long do teeth implants last?
According to recent statistics, 97% of dental implants last more than ten years. You can positively influence the implant lifespan by meticulous oral care such as daily brushing and flossing and regular dental evaluations and cleanings. This can make the implant last you for a lifetime.
How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?
The exact time varies based on your health condition, bone density, and the number of implants positioned in the jawbone. If you don’t need any additional treatments such as bone grafting or sinus lift, the osseointegration process will take from 4 to 6 months.
Additional Resources
If you still worry about bold medical statistics, acknowledging a recent study on implant success rates can bring you comfort and peace of mind.
